My star status expires later this month and as of today it looks like I will not be renewing. It has been a great ride, 8 years of debates, ups and downs as we saw some great things and not so great things happen in the world.

When I first found this site, I was immediately hooked, some place where the facts were facts and if you didn't post the facts, you were called for it. I quickly learned that most of what was posted was backed up with facts.

Participation here has made me a better person overall, my typing and spelling are much improved, quick thinking is better and general written communication skills have advanced. Just list week I learned that Mittens was pilock, broadened my horizons, now I can talk slang with my British friends, lol.

I will not stop contributing, just will have to tolerate the advertisements and miss the star benefits.

The next several months are going to be one big stress ball, with the election, one daughter getting married and the other starting college, then to top it off, the company I have spent my 28 year career with announced a massive restructuring where all positions are on the table.

I will be here, but in a lesser capacity and may need to step away to deal with stresses.

It has been a great time and I owe many here a thank you for being here and for the times you have helped.